Partial Dentures: A Comprehensive Overview
Many individuals anticipate the need for dentures as they age. However, tooth loss can affect anyone for a variety of other reasons, from decay to injury to disease. There are many dental procedures that can help replace a missing tooth, especially if one or more healthy teeth remain in the mouth. For many people, partial dentures are an excellent choice and restore the look and function of real teeth. The removable apparatus is often made from acrylic and reinforced with metal in order to withstand biting, chewing and other natural movements of the mouth. It fits alongside the remaining healthy teeth for a complete and natural look.
The recommended candidates for partial dentures
It is important not to ignore gaps caused by tooth loss. Over time, the remaining teeth can shift, leading to unsightly and uncomfortable malocclusion. There are other methods to replace missing teeth, including implants and bridges. These options are a more permanent solution than dentures, as they are made to last close to 15 years or longer. However, they can be much more expensive and do require invasive installation procedures. In addition, patients must have healthy gums, teeth and jawbones for these methods to be worthwhile.
Partial dentures are an economical choice and are often covered by the average dental insurance plan. They do not require extensive preparation or invasive and painful dental work, making them a good option for those who want to save money or are anxious about visiting the dentist. However, it is important to note that partials must typically be replaced every five years due to normal wear and tear.
Individuals suffering from tooth loss whose remaining teeth and gums may not be strong or healthy are also good candidates for partials. This can include the elderly, those with severe decay or gum disease, or previous smokers and tobacco users.
Wearing and caring for partials
Partial dentures should be worn during the day and removed at night to prevent damage from clenching or grinding during sleep. This also allows for proper cleaning while giving the gums and jaw a rest from the device. Partials are made to wear while eating but may require an adjustment period before enjoying hard, crunchy or chewy foods. Extremely tough or sticky foods may damage dentures and cause them to slip out of place and should be avoided.
It is important to thoroughly clean partial dentures every night by brushing and then soaking in an approved solution to prevent buildup and kill germs. Partial denture users should remember to clean every area of the mouth once the device has been removed as well.
Conclusion
While partial dentures may not be the appropriate solution for every case of tooth loss, many individuals benefit from cosmetic and practical improvements when choosing this method. With the proper use and care, partials can help patients enjoy a functional full set of teeth. Regardless of what method is chosen to handle tooth loss, it is critical to see a dentist promptly for evaluation and treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.schommerdental.com or call Schommer Dental at (563) 272-2331 for an appointment in our Davenport office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Partial Dentures in Davenport, IA.
Recent Posts
There are many options that you can consider when looking at partial dentures. They can come in several different materials and varieties. Let’s take a look at each one, taking both the pros and the cons into account.Acrylic dentures are probably the most commonly used variety. There are several benefits to them. First, they can…
Broken dentures are a fairly common occurrence and not typically a cause for alarm. However, a broken denture can make necessary functions like eating and talking difficult, so the piece should be repaired as quickly as possible. Before scheduling an emergency appointment, check to see which part of the denture is broken and determine if…
It is a common myth that if you have dentures, you will not need to visit your dentist as often as you did before. If you are missing one or several of your natural teeth and have been wearing dentures, then why would you need to see the dentist? It might sound logical to skip…
If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, dentures are a viable and attractive option to consider. Some even need to contemplate getting a full set of dentures, also known as a complete denture. When this time comes, you may want to learn more about how dentures are created and customized for your specific…